First Sunday of Advent (C)

December 2, 2018 

Readings:

First Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14-16

Psalm: 25

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3: 12-42

Gospel reading according to Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36

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Homily:

Today is the first Sunday of Advent.  Advent is a Latin word meaning "coming." Advent is the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ himself.  As we are waiting for the coming of Jesus, we have to prepare ourselves for his arrival, by prayer, penance and fasting, and work of mercy for and to others. Advent is a period of our self-preparation to be reconciled once more with God. 

In the gospel of Luke we read, what will happen in heavens and in the sky, and on earth was revealed by Jesus to his disciples by giving signs and wonders. “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves” (Lk. 21: 25).  When the day comes, when the time of the coming of Jesus the Lord arrives, some signs will appear in the sun, the moon and the stars in the heavens above, and here on earth, the sea and the waves of the ocean will be like a deafening roar, like a lion roaring for something it will devour, and many nations will be dismayed.  The people will not comprehend what is going on up above the sky and down below on earth; they will be perplexed and confused.

Because they do not perceive and prepare themselves what is going on due to these phenomena in the sky above and here on earth below, people will prefer to die, to be buried in the ground to hide themselves from these unforeseen tragedies due to intense fright, fear, terror, and anxiety.  They could not bear the intense horror that will happen but not yet.  “People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of heavens will be shaken” (Lk. 21: 26).  Almost all people in the land who will be seeing these events are terrified, frightened, and scared, because though they have been shaken by Jesus when he was still here on earth; they did not believe him, the One who was sent by God the Father before the foundation of the world, in his first coming, and when the Son of God became man, but rather they denied him.

In his second coming, many of these people will see the coming of the Son of God from heaven amid the cloud with power and glory, who became man like us except sin.  “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Lk. 21: 27).  The Son of Man, Jesus Christ, of whom they put to death, crucified on the cross, will be seen for the second time by many coming down amidst the cloud with his power and great glory forever and ever, accompanied with signs and wonders.

The signs and wonders are some indications of the forthcoming event.  They are “palatandaan,”   hints and at the same time warning that something great is to happen and occur.  Jesus also was preparing through signs and wonders the people so that when these happen, they are not surprised and caught unaware.  They are given a warning so they knew that an important event will occur.  He continued and said to his disciples, “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your hands because your redemption is at hand” (Lk, 21: 28).  When the signs and wonders are happening, do not be afraid or hide or die or cover ourselves, but rather stand straight on the ground, raise our head and eyes to heaven, raise our hands as well, as waiting for the descent of Son of Man from heaven, even shouting “Hallelujah; Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of Lord our God!  Hosanna and Praise!” at the same time clapping our hands worshiping him who is coming, full of trust, confidence and faith.  Believe also that our redemption is coming soon from him.

Jesus also was preparing us in his coming; we must be ready and awake and alert.  He gave us also some warnings. “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap” (Lk. 21: 34-35).  We have to remain awake and avoid drowsy and sleepy eyes after long Christmas parties – with lots of drinking, eating, too much merry-making up to the point of losing self-control, decency, self-respect and respect for others, as if he/she no longer knows his/herself – as one being trap (patibong) of his own set-up.  Jesus reminded us to avoid too much worrying about what food to prepare especially during Noche Buena and Christmas, what gifts to give to “inaanak,” nephews and nieces, and the many or over house decorations of Christmas tree, lanterns, lights, crib (belen), and daily anxieties in life; be careful not to be caught off unguarded by surprise like a trap.  “For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth” (Lk. 21: 35).  Like the one using her cellphone in the street when suddenly the motor riders in tandem snatched your cellphone abruptly and unnoticeable.  On the day you do not know, you will be assaulted unnoticed.

Therefore, be aware of his coming.  He will come unnoticeable.  Nobody knows when, where, how and in what manner he will be coming.  He just comes without warning.  So, “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man” (Lk. 21: 36). Stay awake and alert at all times; continue your praying, fasting, and doing penance even nobody is undertaking them except you; and have enough strength so that when the Son of Man/God comes you are ready to welcome Him.